What time are we living in? How can we know if the return of Jesus is near? Could it be that we're living in the very days Jesus warned us about? And if so... are you ready for His return? The Bible doesn’t tell us when Jesus is coming back—but it does tell us to watch, to stay awake, and to be ready. The question isn’t if He’s coming... the real question is, "Are you prepared?"
Even a casual look at the current happenings of this world reveals signs. Are you paying attention to them? It's not just in the realm of political chaos, rising conflicts, or natural disasters—but the spiritual circumstances, too. Have you noticed the growing darkness, the cooling of love, the erosion of truth? What if these aren’t just coincidences, but a divine wake-up call?
Warnings come in all shapes and sizes. In the modern world, we’ve got warnings blinking on our car dashboards, printed on our food labels, and flashing on the news headlines. They’re everywhere. If you're like me, you might have a car with more warning lights lit up than a Christmas tree. My old suburban—lovingly named Black Beauty—is still somehow galloping down the road at 284,000 miles, keeping me on my toes along the way. Every time a light comes on, I’m wondering, “Is this the end?”
Somebody jokingly told me, “You know, a little black electrical tape over the dashboard does wonders!” Funny—but also revealing. Because spiritually, don’t we do the same thing? We cover up the warning lights in our hearts. We think, “If I don’t look at it, maybe they're not really there.” But today, instead of taping over them, let’s pull our heads out of the sand and take a good, honest look around.
Now, before we go any further, let me just say this: if I were about to give you a specific date and time for Jesus' return, I’d hope you’d stop listening to me. Seriously. The Bible is clear on this. Jesus Himself said:
“But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.” — Matthew 24:36, ESV
No date-setting. No countdown clocks. If someone claims to know the day Jesus will return, don’t listen to them. History is full of failed predictions—Harold Camping’s billboards in 2011, Y2K panic, the Mayan calendar in 2012, blood moon prophecies in 2014–2015, and more. Each time, people got spooked; and each time, nothing happened.
But just because those dates came and went doesn’t mean Jesus isn’t coming back.
He is coming back; and He told us to watch for the signs—not to predict the date, but to stay awake, stay alert, and stay ready. Just like a warning light in your car means, “Hey, pay attention,” Jesus admonishes us to listen to Him so we can keep from falling asleep behind the wheel of life.
This article will help you recognize and respond to Jesus' voice:
In Matthew 24, Jesus lays it all out:
“For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray.” — Matthew 24:5, ESV
False messiahs will be shrouded in deception that will fool many. People claiming to be the answer will even perform miracles. So, how can you keep from being led astray?
The key is to stay connected to the truth. Jesus is the Truth. The more we know the real Jesus, the easier it is to spot a fake. When you’re familiar with the truth, the counterfeit is obvious.
You may be wondering how to get to know the real Jesus. The answer is simple: His Word, which is the Bible. (As an added protection, learn about false teachings about Jesus in this article: 4 Sects Mistaken as Christian & How they're Unsound.)
“And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars... Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places.” — Matthew 24:6–7, ESV
We don’t have to look far to see this—Ukraine, Israel, global tension, economic unrest, natural disasters. It’s all happening. But Jesus said not to be alarmed, because these things must take place.
“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake.” — Matthew 24:9, ESV
Persecution isn’t just something that happens overseas. There’s also spiritual persecution. When you start truly following Jesus—living out your calling—you become a threat to the enemy, who is Satan. There’s resistance. There's spiritual attack. But there's no need to fear, because:
“He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” — 1 John 4:4, ESV
Another sign?...A lack of love.
“And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.” — Matthew 24:12, ESV
Our culture is obsessed with self-love. Just scroll through social media. It’s all “me, me, me.” But the love Jesus modeled is sacrificial, outward-focused, and servant-hearted. Real love always begins by loving God above everything else. As the world grows darker, we’re called to shine brighter; and we can do this by loving God, receiving His love, and sharing His love with others.
Here's a hopeful one:
“And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” — Matthew 24:14, ESV
We’re getting close. Every people group in the world has been identified. Missionaries and organizations are working to bring the gospel to the last unreached areas. That’s exciting!
You might wonder, “Will I know it when Jesus comes?” The answer is: "Oh yes!" It won’t be a whisper. It won’t be quiet. It won't be a secret.
“For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.” — Matthew 24:27, ESV
It’ll be unmistakable. Global. Visible. Loud. There will be no confusion—the King is coming!
Ironically, the greatest danger in missing the return of Christ isn’t chaos—it’s comfort.
“While people are saying, ‘There is peace and security,’ then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:3, ESV
Did you catch that? When everything seems fine—when the economy is up, leaders are making peace, and life is calm—that’s when we’re most at risk of getting spiritually sleepy. We assume we’ve got time. We relax. We compromise.
But Jesus warns us not to get lulled into a false sense of security.
“For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.” — Matthew 24:37, ESV
Back in Noah’s day, everyone was just living their lives—eating, drinking, getting married. Nothing looked out of the ordinary. Then the flood came.
Jesus continues:
“Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left. Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.” — Matthew 24:40, 42, ESV
Are you awake and alert? This isn’t about fear. It’s about readiness.
If you knew someone was coming over to your house, you'd probably clean up a little, right? You’d make yourself presentable, at least. When we know someone important is coming, it changes how we live.
So, here’s the big question: If Jesus returned tomorrow, would you be ready?
Are you living for Him now, or are you hoping to get serious later? The signs are here. They’re blinking on the dashboard of our world, and we can’t afford to cover them up with black tape anymore.
Jesus is returning—for His bride, the Church. For you. For me. For those who are watching and waiting. And on that day, there will be no mistaking it.
Let’s be ready. Here are some actions you can take and continually practice:
1. Read the Bible Daily – Know the Truth
God’s Word is your daily bread and your compass in a world that constantly shifts. By reading the Bible every day, you align your heart with God’s truth, stay alert to His promises, and grow in wisdom and discernment. When Jesus returns, He’s coming for those who know Him—and we get to know Him through His Word.
2. Pray Continually – Stay Connected to the Spirit
Prayer keeps the relationship with God alive. It’s more than asking—it’s listening, worshiping, and staying close. As the days grow darker, you’ll need the Holy Spirit's guidance more than ever. A prayerful heart is a ready heart—tuned to God’s voice and led by His Spirit.
3. Stay Humble and Teachable – Be Ready to Grow
Pride blinds, but humility keeps you open to correction, growth, and truth. A teachable spirit is one that allows God to shape, refine, and prepare you for His return. Jesus is coming back for a bride without spot or wrinkle—so let Him do His transforming work in you daily.
Let’s live like He could return any moment—because He could.